LCEC infrastructure getting a boost

April 27, 2012

LCEC is in the first phase of upgrading its electric infrastructure on the island, a three-phase project expected to be completed by September.

"It's part of our rolling 10-year reliability plan," said LCEC public relations manager Karen Ryan. "It will help ensure the infrastructure remains stable for customers on the island."

Crews with MasTec, an LCEC construction contractor, started work last week with the erection of a number of concrete poles to replace wood poles. Work continues with the installation of larger cable wire to handle any increased load capacity and withstand severe weather more reliably.

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JIM LINETTECrews with MasTec work on making upgrades to the LCEC infrastructure this week along Sanibel-Captiva Road near Buckhorn Lane. Wood poles are being replaced with concrete poles and stronger electric wires.

"We are at the mercy of Mother Nature," said Ryan. "With the weather you never know, but work should be completed by September, probably sooner."

SCADA switches are being installed along the route, a device controlled remotely in the event of a service interruption.

"We can isolate the area during an interruption," said Ryan. "We can switch over to a different circuit and most customers won't even notice. Then we can find and fix the problem."

Look for traffic control along the rolling work zone. Traffic will be limited to a single lane for short stretches at a time between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.